Startup Friend plans to launch a $99 AI smart necklace intended to be a digital companion for users; however, the company has announced a delay in shipping the first batch of products, now expected in the third quarter. The original plan to ship to pre-order customers in the first quarter now seems unfeasible. Co-founder and CEO Avi Schiffman stated in an email to customers: 'While I hoped to ship in the first quarter of this year, I still need to refine the product further. In fact,

Friend is a startup dedicated to developing AI-driven digital companion necklaces, priced at $99. Recently, Friend announced that the first batch of products, originally scheduled for shipment to pre-order users in the first quarter, will be delayed until the third quarter. The company's co-founder and CEO, Avi Schiffman, stated in an email to customers that the current design is not yet complete and requires some necessary improvements. Schiffman mentioned, 'While I very much hope to ship in the first quarter of this year, I'